“Ruff” But Rewarding: A Look at Professional Dog Hikers’ Daily Lives

In a city known for its stunning mountain trails, many hikers naturally want to include their four-legged friends in outdoor recreation. For those of us who may not have the time to take our pups up the canyons, professional dog hikers take the wheel to give our beloved canine companions—and themselves—regular outdoor adventures. While frolicking around in nature with puppies in tow may sound like a dream for many, those who hike dogs for a living know that it’s hard work that requires experience, resilience and great care. Kristin Maloney, Shalyn Karician and Marianna Wilson are Salt Lake City-based professional dog hikers who’ve shared their experiences with SLUG.

Marianna of Happy Tails Dog Hiking says that dog hiking is a profession that “fell into [her] lap” as she was figuring out a type of work that would accommodate her own needs, as well as those of her dog who suffers from extreme separation anxiety. Shalyn and Kristin’s lifelong love for animals landed them both jobs in the pet care field, which eventually transformed into the opportunity to take dogs on hikes, and led to Kristin turning it into her own business, Adventures with Woody. All three assert that hiking dogs has been more positive than any previous job. Kristin says, “It’s hard not to smile when you’re on a beautiful trail surrounded by happy dogs.”

“It’s hard not to smile when you’re on a beautiful trail surrounded by happy dogs.”

Shalyn finds that dogs’ unconditional love and excitement is energizing after working in the service industry. Marianna says that breaking into dog hiking “checked off a lot of boxes that [she] regard[s] as essential for [her] quality of life.” The regular sunshine, fresh air and the satisfaction of providing a dog, and their owner, a positive experience is invaluable. Marianna says that the mountains have been a source of healing for her, and she’s grateful “for the ability to positively impact the lives of the dogs [she is] entrusted with.” Kristin and Shalyn share this sense of gratitude for having the trust of dog, and owners alike. These hikers start their work days early—between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.—planning out hiking routes based on the weather and the limitations of the dogs they’re hiking that day. For Marianna, her average daily hiking distance is about four miles. Dogs are given the chance to explore and play while still being kept in check with training commands to “maintain cohesion within the pack,” says Marianna. Shalyn likes to bring plenty of treats for positive reinforcement.

Increased crowds on trails cause concern for all three hikers. Irresponsible owners lead to dangerous situations, resulting in amped-up trail restrictions. This makes the work of dog hiking more challenging. All three place great value on “display[ing] respect and care for the open spaces and trails that [they] frequent,” says Shalyn and “having as little impact on the spaces [they] are so fortunate to spend [their] days in,” adds Marianna.

“Every dog is teachable.”

If you’re a potential client looking to sign your dog up for regular hikes, the training your pup receives at home is critical. Kristin says that “the dedication of dog owners towards their dogs’ training truly makes a big difference in how they behave on the trail,” and that patience and understanding with dogs’ differing personalities is essential. Marianna believes that “every dog is teachable” and that they learn best from each other. If you’re interested in pursuing dog hiking for work, Shalyn emphasizes that prior experience with dogs, such as volunteering at a shelter, is essential. Jumping in without proper training can damage the reputation of the dog hiking industry through negative experiences for dogs or clients. Through all the muddy paws, poop and wildlife encounters, these hikers show great “skill, integrity and courtesy”—their love for animals and the outdoors makes it all worth it.

Follow Kristin and Marianna’s businesses on Instagram at @adventureswithwoodyslc and @happytailsdoghiking, respectively. Follow Shalyn at @_sun.of.mercury_ and see her happy dog clients at @aarfpetcare.

Read more about furry friends here:
Paint & Puppies: Happypaws Pet Portraits  
Proper Paws: Training Owners to Train Their Dogs